MMDA receives motorcycles donated by Abalos

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 18) — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday received motorcycle units donated by Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos to be used in the agency's Motorcycle Riding Academy.

"When I told him that the MMDA will be having a Motorcycle Riding Academy, Secretary Abalos immediately responded by donating ten brand new motorcycle units," MMDA acting chairman Don Artes said in a statement.

The turnover ceremony was held at the MMDA head office in Pasig City.

“The number of those using motorcycles is increasing. So are the fatalities. This Academy will provide motorcycle riders necessary riding and basic emergency response skills and we hope to replicate it in other local government units to lessen motorcycle-related deaths and accidents,” Abalos said.

The Motorcycle Riding Academy aims to make roads safer with less traffic-related accidents and to increase public awareness when it comes to safety hazards.

Meanwhile, Artes reminds the public to abide by traffic rules and for pedestrians to use sidewalks and bridges properly. The reminder comes after a person who was crossing EDSA was accidentally hit by a motorcyle.

The MMDA says people who jaywalk across EDSA usually do so after 10 p.m. when traffic enforcers are already off duty. The agency will see if enforcers can be deployed after 10 p.m. to prevent such incidents.

“Hindi po kami nagkulang sa pagpapaalala, ilang post na po ang ginawa namin kung saan patuloy ang panawagan naming huwag tumawid sa EDSA. Mayroon naman po tayong footbridges na puwede po nating daanan dahil delikado po ang pagtawid,” he said.

[Transalation: We have not been lax in giving reminders, we have made several posts reminding people not to cross EDSA. There are footbridges people can use.]

Abalos suggested penalizing those who will illegally cross EDSA and C5, adding mayors whose jurisdiction includes EDSA should study his recommendation to prevent accidents.

CNN Philippines' Daniza Fernandez and Pia Garcia contributed to this report.